The Royal Enfield 650cc twins, the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650, have been captured in one frame somewhere in California, US.
Having enjoyed a highly successful run in the sub-500cc category, modern-classic motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield’s timing to introduce its 650cc twin-cylinder motorcycle range in the market couldn’t get better than this. As the market goes through a progressive shift towards higher capacity motorcycles, the brand already sits prepared with the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. While the official launch still has some time to go, a couple of revealing pictures of the Royal Enfield 650 duo spotted in California has charged up the motorcycling enthusiasts.
In the pictures, the Continental GT 650 can be seen donning the Ice Queen livery while the fuel tank of the Interceptor 650 is entirely dipped in chrome. Royal Enfield has successfully generated enough hype around the newcomers by unveiling them at the recent 2017 Milan Motor Show. The cafe-racer Continental GT 650 is similar to its smaller sibling in appearance while the Interceptor is a street-style classic following a minimalist design approach. Reportedly, the two motorcycles seen in the pictures were being readied for an ad-shoot.
The 650 twins draw power from a 650cc parallel-twin motor which comes with fuel injection and liquid cooling. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine’s peak power and torque figures are rated at 47 HP at 7100 RPM and 52 Nm at 4000 RPM respectively. A balancer shaft is also in place to control the engine vibrations which lesser Royal Enfields are infamous for. The Interceptor’s fuel tank has a capacity of 13.7-litres while the cafe-racer gulps in 12.5-litres.
Suspension setup is shared between the two and comprises of 41 mm telescopic forks at the front and traditional twin shock absorbers at the rear. Braking duties are performed by a 320 mm disc brake at the front and a smaller 240 mm disc at the other end. Dual-channel ABS and slipper clutch will be offered as standard on both the motorcycles. The twin silencer setup will ensure a blissful aural experience.
The duo is expected to be priced aggressively at around Rs. 3.5 to 4 lakhs (ex-showroom) in the country. Slated to be launched in 2018, Royal Enfield is betting big on the two for expanding its global foothold as well. In India, the Interceptor 650 will lock horns with the Harley-Davidson Street 750 while the Continental GT 650, being a cafe-racer, doesn’t have any direct competitor yet.
Royal Enfield 650
– RE Interceptor and Continental GT 650 spotted in California, US
– The two were being prepared for an ad-shoot
– Powered by a 650cc parallel-twin which develops 47 HP of power
– Set for launch in 2018 for India as well as other markets
Images Source – RushLane.com